Tuesday, May 20, 2008

2008 Cadillac Provoq Concept

---- Specifications ----

Price

--

Production

--

Engine

hydrogen and electric

Weight

--

Aspiration

--

Torque

--

HP

148 hp

HP/Weight

--

HP/Liter

--

1/4 mile

--

0-60 mph

8.5 seconds

Top Speed

100 mph

(from General Motors Press Release) CADILLAC PROVOQ FUEL CELL CONCEPT DELIVERS CLEAN, PETROLEUM-FREE PERFORMANCE AND SIGNATURE DESIGN

LAS VEGAS – Cadillac unveils a new vision for the future of luxury transportation with the innovative Provoq fuel cell concept – a hydrogen fuel cell crossover vehicle that continues GM’s commitment to displace petroleum through advanced technology.


1280x960 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1024x768 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1600x1200 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper


The Cadillac Provoq fuel cell concept is the latest example of GM’s groundbreaking E-Flex propulsion system, combining the new fifth-generation fuel cell system and a lithium-ion battery to produce an electrically driven vehicle that uses no petroleum and has no emission other than water. The concept’s fifth-generation fuel cell technology is half the size of its predecessor, yet it has been developed to produce more power and performance.

“Cadillac is a natural fit for GM’s next step in developing the E-Flex platform,” says Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “Cadillac, at its very essence, is about premium luxury, design and technology, so it’s fitting that Cadillac would be propelled by the most elegant solution. This signals Cadillac’s intent to lead the industry with alternative-fuel technology.”

Fuel-cell variant of the E-Flex system

The concept can drive 300 miles (483 km) on a single fill of hydrogen – with 280 miles (450 km) from hydrogen and 20 miles (32 km) on pure, battery electric energy.

A pair of 10,000 psi (700 bar) composite storage tanks beneath the rear cargo floor hold 13.2 pounds (6 kg) of hydrogen to feed the fuel cell stack, located under the hood. There, hydrogen mixes with oxygen to generate electricity – up to 88 kW continuous power. A lithium-ion battery pack can store up to a total of 9kWh of electrical energy and also provides a peak of 60 kW of power for additional performance.

The electricity generated by the fuel cell is distributed to a 70 kW co-axial drive system for the front wheels and individual, 40 kW wheel hub motors on the rear wheels, giving the Cadillac Provoq its all-wheel-drive traction and great driving dynamics. Its 0-60 mph (approximately 100 km/h) speed of 8.5 seconds is a more than 30-percent improvement over the previous-generation fuel cell system and with instantaneous torque to the wheels, it feels even faster. Provoq has a top speed of 100 mph (160 km/h).

“This is a vision of what comes next – a fuel cell electric vehicle that delivers the driving characteristics Cadillac customers want and allowing them to do it without using a single drop of petroleum, while emitting only water vapor,” said Larry Burns, GM vice president for research and development. “This is proof that alternate fuels and advanced technologies create even greater opportunities to satisfy the luxury buyer.”


1024x768 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1024x768 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1600x1200 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1600x1200 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

Key features

With sleek, signature Cadillac bodywork, the Provoq concept redefines luxury crossovers, offering uncompromising passenger and cargo space to match its performance and cruising range. Additional vehicle features include:

  • Solar panel integrated in the roof to help power onboard accessories, such as the interior lights, audio system and more

  • Brake-by-wire technology

  • Front grille louvers that close at highway speed to enhance aerodynamics, and open at low speed to provide maximum cooling to the fuel cell stack

Purposefully dynamic design


1280x960 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1024x768 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1024x768 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1600x1200 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1600x1200 wallpaper

The Provoq has a sleek, athletic shape that builds on the second generation of Cadillac’s design renaissance, led by the 2008 CTS, with dynamic and purposeful features that support the hydrogen fuel cell powertrain and contribute to the vehicle’s overall efficiency.

“All the people- and cargo-carrying capability customers expect in crossovers and SUVs is available in the Provoq, along with the premium attributes expected in a Cadillac,” said Ed Welburn, vice president, Global Design.

Highlights include:

  • Active front grille, with grille louvers that open when the fuel cell stack requires cooling

  • Full underbody aerodynamic cover

  • Left- and right-hand charging ports incorporated in stylish front fender vents

  • Flush door handles that feature push-to-release operation

  • Wind tunnel-shaped outside mirrors with integral turn signals

  • Center high-mounted rear stop lamp incorporated into full-width, wraparound spoiler

  • Signature vertical taillamps with subtle fin design

  • Side glass mounted flush with pillars

  • Wheels with clear-covered space between the spokes, creating a sleeker profile while maintaining Cadillac’s signature bold wheel design

  • Low-drag roof rack

“From the strong, shield grille and vertical headlamps to the crisp body lines, the Provoq is instantly recognizable as a contemporary Cadillac,” said Hoon Kim, exterior lead designer. “Like the new CTS, it is bold and expressive, but there is enhanced shape between the edges – it’s a new proportion for crossovers, with a fast, almost coupe-like rear.

“Everything about the vehicle reinforces the notion that great style and environmentally conscious transportation can go hand in hand,” said Kim. “We didn’t sacrifice proportion, stance or Cadillac’s iconic design cues; we used them to support the efficiency of the vehicle.

“They are the features customers expect,” he said. “The adaptability of the E-Flex architecture enabled the designers to create a great-looking vehicle, regardless of its alternative-fuel powertrain.”

Kim points to the fender-mounted charge ports as prime example. They allow overnight, plug-in charging that extends the driving range. The ports have a satin-chrome appearance that incorporates an amber light to indicate the system is charging and a green light to indicate when charging is completed.


1280x960 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1024x768 wallpaper

1024x768 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1600x1200 wallpaper

1600x1200 wallpaper


“The ports are functional, but rather than hide them, they are design elements of the Provoq,” he said. “Sweeping body lines that culminate at the top and bottom edges of the ports suggest forward thrust, even when the vehicle is stationary.”

The vertical, neon-lit taillamps blend style with functionality, too, as their finned shape was designed to make the Provoq as aerodynamically efficient as possible.

Indeed, the Provoq has short overhangs and a sporty ride height that is complemented by large, 21-inch wheels.

The wheels are wrapped in custom Michelin tires incorporating Green-X technology. These low-rolling resistance tires feature a tread pattern that mimics the “H20” notation for water.

The tire designers and engineers at Michelin North America enthusiastically accepted GM’s challenge to create a custom low-rolling resistance tire to complement the energy efficiency and reduced environmental footprint of the Cadillac Provoq. During the past 15 years, the tire maker has developed four generations of Michelin green energy-saving tires, and the team’s no-compromises approach to the project helped reduce the Provoq’s overall fuel consumption without sacrificing road performance, grip and safety.

When used in conjunction with the other energy-efficient solutions featured on the Cadillac Provoq, the benefits of Michelin green energy-saving tires include:

  • A reduction in the consumer’s overall cost of ownership

  • An extended vehicle range through a more efficient use of on-board energy and its storage capacity

  • A reduction of vehicle impact on the environment through lower CO 2 and particulate emissions.
    Uncompromising interior

Like the exterior, the Provoq’s interior blends style with function. It seats five and incorporates the comfort, convenience and infotainment features Cadillac customers seek. Most importantly, the fuel cell powertrain does not intrude on passenger or cargo room.

The hydrogen fuel tanks are mounted beneath the cargo floor, with the storage batteries located at the center of the chassis. The fuel cell stack is located under the hood, giving the Provoq the interior layout of a conventional crossover – including a full cargo area and a 60/40-split folding rear seat.

“The interior is roomy, well-equipped and offers the space people want in a crossover,” said Matt Erdey, interior lead designer. “There are no compromises inside the Provoq to accommodate the fuel cell powertrain and fuel tanks – a factor that proves the technology and real-world feasibility are growing closer together.”

There may not be compromising reminders of the powertrain in the interior, but the Provoq carries the instantly identifiable hallmarks of a contemporary Cadillac interior, with an expressive, well-crafted design.

“It picks up the cues, refinement and attention to detail of the new CTS and takes them to the next level,” said Erdey. “A contrasting color scheme, extensive use of ambient lighting technology and elements such as cut-and-sewn, hand-wrapped leather with French seams are elements seen in current Cadillac models, but they are amplified in the Provoq. “

The interior has a contrasting, dark gray and light gray color scheme, with chrome and satin-chrome accents throughout. Ambient lighting extends across the instrument panel and into the door panels, as well as the foot wells, sills and under the seats.

A unique instrument cluster with large, reconfigurable LCD displays offers a multitude of vehicle information readouts, including fuel cell information and vehicle performance. Like the CTS, the Provoq has a prominent center stack that houses the audio and climate systems, as well as a navigation system that rises out of the top of the instrument panel. Also like the CTS, there is an integrated hard drive that stores navigation maps, thousands of songs and more.

Between the front bucket seats is a large center console with a fully enclosed storage compartment that is home to ports for USB-connected devices and other electronics. The console also has a cell phone holder with built-in Bluetooth and inductive charging. The compact shifting mechanism on the console uses shift-by-wire technology to engage the gears, resulting in more storage space within the console.

A variety of recycled and recyclable materials were used, as well. Highlights include:

  • The headliner is wrapped in a fully recyclable soy-based material

  • The carpet is made of recycled polyester and jute

  • Leather used to cover the seats and instrumental panel is free of harmful chemicals

  • Xorel material used on the door panels and instrument panel; treated to perform as a carbon-fiber-type material

  • Chrome trim made with less-harmful materials

The earth-friendly interior components blend seamlessly with the more conventional materials inside the Provoq, enhancing the vehicle’s integrated, customer-focused environment. The same goes for the cargo area, which features an auxiliary power outlet and a load floor that is level with the hatch opening.

“The integration of the features and technology is remarkable,” said Erdey. “If you didn’t know there was a hydrogen fuel cell stack under the hood, you’d never know it was anything but a roomy, functional crossover.”

Sunday, May 18, 2008

2008 Cadillac Escalade Platinum



1280x960 wallpaper

1024x768 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1600x1200 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1024x768 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1024x768 wallpaper

1600x1200 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

1600x1200 wallpaper

1280x960 wallpaper

1920x1440 wallpaper

---- Specifications ----

Price

--

Production

--

Engine

6.2 liter V8

Weight

--

Aspiration

natural

Torque

417 lb-ft

HP

403 hp

HP/Weight

--

HP/Liter

6.5 hp per liter

1/4 mile

--

0-62 mph

--

Top Speed

--

(from General Motors Press Release) Cadillac announced the introduction of the 2008 Escalade Platinum, a special edition of the segment-leading large luxury SUV that takes Cadillac’s dramatic design, elegance and technology to its fullest expression.

Making its world premiere alongside the upcoming Escalade Hybrid, Cadillac announced the Platinum edition will come to market in the spring of 2008 as the most luxurious model in the Escalade lineup. It rounds out a full series of Cadillac Platinum models, including the XLR Roadster, DTS luxury sedan and STS performance sedan. Each model in the Platinum lineup is characterized by elegant cabins featuring handcrafted leather, advanced technology and unique design details throughout.

“The new Platinum edition elevates and extends Escalade’s position as the large SUV of choice among luxury consumers,” said Jim Taylor, Cadillac general manager. “The growing Platinum series highlights the handcrafted details and technical sophistication of Cadillac’s overall product renaissance.”

Advanced technologies

Offered on Escalade and the extended-length Escalade ESV, the Platinum edition includes a blend of technical innovations and aesthetic enhancements. Escalade Platinum will be the world’s first SUV to be equipped with Cadillac’s advanced Magnetic Ride Control (MRC) technology.

Magnetic Ride Control, originally developed for performance vehicles such as the STS sedan, XLR Roadster and Chevrolet’s legendary Corvette, is the world’s fastest reacting suspension system and gives the Escalade Platinum more precise body motion control. It is a real-time damping system – “reading” the road in 1-milisecond intervals – that replaces conventional mechanical-valve shocks with electronically controlled shocks filled with a synthetic fluid containing minute iron particles. Under the presence of magnetic charge, the iron particles align to provide damping resistance almost instantly.

Segment-first, innovative LED headlamps

Escalade Platinum will be the first SUV – and one of the first vehicles of any kind – to offer Light Emitting Diode (LED) headlamps. Used previously only on concept vehicles or exotic sports cars, LED headlamps mark another step in Cadillac’s application of advanced lighting technology and design.

LED headlamps emit a greatly more precise light pattern, while emulating the characteristics of natural daylight much more closely than traditional auto lighting. LEDs are environmentally friendly, using much less power and lasting more than 20 times longer than traditional halogen bulbs. LED headlamps will be an enhancement added to the Escalade Platinum in the summer of 2008, shortly after the start of production of the Platinum model itself in the spring of 2008.

“Escalade is world renown for making a distinctive design statement,” Taylor said, “With the introduction of the world’s first large luxury SUV hybrid as well as the new Platinum edition, Cadillac Escalade is now bringing some of the world’s most sophisticated automotive technologies into the luxury SUV category.”

Dramatic exterior, elegant interior

Escalade Platinum also elevates the already-dramatic design of Escalade. The exterior features a unique front fascia and grille patterned after Cadillac’s acclaimed and hot-selling CTS sport sedan. The Platinum includes unique 22-inch wheels and wears exclusive Platinum exterior badges.

The cabin is the latest example of Cadillac’s 21 st-century return to handcrafted luxury details. The instrument panel, center storage console and door trim are wrapped and stitched by hand. They feature decorative French seams that convey an elegantly tailored look and feel. Materials include rich leather on the instrument panel, with unique wood inlays and aluminum trim.

Aniline leather is unique to the Escalade Platinum and is used to trim the first- and second-row seats. Contrasting-color stitching is used on the French seams for a distinctive, luxurious appearance and the seatbacks feature embroidered Cadillac wreath and crest insignias. The leather-covered seats are comfortable and convenient, with the industry-exclusive power fold-and-tumble second-row seat feature that eases access to the third-row seat.

Additional standard interior features include Platinum-specific door sills and floor mats, a heated steering wheel and heated and cooled cup holders and a power liftgate that opens and closes with the touch of a button.

Also, the DVD entertainment system adds screens integrated into each front seat headrest, in addition to the existing roof mounted screen. Each front-row headrest screen has its own driver and input controls. The headrest units can be operated independently or in tandem. This system enables passengers in different seats to watch or listen to different entertainment choices, while leaving ultimate control with the driver. Escalade Platinum models will include the acclaimed Bose 5.1 Digital Surround system, as well as the eight-inch touch screen for DVD-based navigation and control of the DVD, CD, MP3 and XM Satellite radio entertainment.

Plentiful power

Platinum models are powered by the Escalade’s exclusive 6.2L V-8 rated at 403 horsepower (301 kW)* and 417 lb.-ft. of torque (565 Nm).* It is an all-aluminum engine that uses variable valve timing (VVT) to optimize camshaft timing to improve low-rpm torque and high-rpm horsepower. The introduction of variable valve timing through the unique, dual-equal cam phaser is the industry’s first application of VVT on a mass-produced V-8 overhead-valve engine.

A Hydra-Matic 6L80 six-speed automatic transmission is matched with the 6.2L engine. One of the industry’s most advanced automatics, the 6L80 features clutch-to-clutch shifting and has a wide, 6.04:1 overall ratio – including two overdrive gears – that helps deliver an excellent balance of performance and fuel economy.